[caferacer52]

alright so i'm looking at buying a couple of dirtbikes, i'm getting a crf250r, but my wife is a problem, first is size, she's only 4-10, maybe 11 on a good day. so she thinks the 150 is too tall even though i tell her how much the suspension compresses and that we can get the seat shaved. second is power, we'll be 0nsome trail rides, but my friends and i usually go to the desert, and i don't know if the 150 has enough power, let alone the 100, and can you even put paddles on either? she only wieghs about 115-120 lbs. so would stock tires push her out there? it's just a pickle because she's never ridden before and is also scared of too much power even after i tell her how friendly and lopey the old two valve four stroke is. any help would be awsome.

[crfsonly]

caferacer52...welcome to CRF's Only. one of my favorite things to do (besides dirt bikes) is backpacking. when i first took my kids i carried most of the gear, stopped when they even hinted at resting, made camp when they suggested they were done for the day, did most of the cooking and cleaning (unless they really wanted to), brought games and fun things to play with, took to to places that had big rocks to climb, and basically did everything i could to ensure they had a great time. why? cause i really wanted them to love it. if they grew to love it they would then be willing to accept some discomfort on the trail, unpleasant tasks like cleaning, etc.

the same applies to introducing others to dirt bike riding. don't get them the bike you would like or take them to places to ride that are beyond their ability. Don't put pressure on them to 'keep up'.

my suggestion is to have her sit on the 150. take her to places where she will have success and fun at the same time. sand is not that kind of place. the 150 would not do well with a paddle or deep sand and/or dunes.

the power of the 150 is good but not intimidating. i think it would make a great first bike for her. if she takes to it and her skills improve you can always move to a crf230f as her next bike.

good luck and let us know what you end up getting her...

ken